Inweekly’s campaign to have locals and alumni comprise the majority of the University of West Florida Board of Trustees has gained steam, as community leaders have banded together to challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis’s appointment of Boise State professor Scott Yenor and West Virginian Adam Kissel to board.
In a powerful display of civic engagement, Marcia Pace Lindstrom, spokesperson for the grassroots organization SAVE UWF, addressed the Escambia County Commission on Thursday, March 6, requesting their support against the controversial trustee appointments to the University of West Florida’s board. (Note: An earlier version had Ms. Lindstrom identified as Betty Carter.)
Lindstrom presented her case with conviction, emphasizing UWF’s stellar reputation and accomplishments. She highlighted the university’s impressive achievements: ranking as Florida’s top institution for post-graduation employment and further education, being named among the top 10 regional universities in the South by US News & World Report, and earning distinction as the nation’s best university for veterans.
- “If it’s not broke, let’s don’t try to fix it in the wrong way,” Carter asserted, capturing the sentiment of many concerned citizens regarding Governor DeSantis’ recent board appointments.
At the heart of the controversy is Yenor, whom Lindstorm described as having made “awful remarks against women, against Jews, against other ethnic and religious folks.” SAVE UWF is petitioning the Senate Ethics Committee, chaired by State Sen. Don Gaetz, to oppose Yenor’s confirmation.
- The community’s response to the petition drive has been widespread. Lindstorm announced an upcoming town hall meeting scheduled for March 18 at the Studer Community Institute, along with ongoing initiatives, including an online petition, billboards throughout the city and county, and yard signs to raise awareness.
Why This Matters: The economic significance of UWF to the region cannot be overstated. Lindstorm noted UWF contributes approximately $1.5 billion annually to the eight-county district—a substantial economic driver for Northwest Florida.
Four Commissioners Voice Support
Commissioner Steven Barry, an alumnus representing the university’s district, revealed he had already signed the online petition, describing Yenor’s comments as “the most egregious” among several concerning board nominations.
Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger, a female UWF graduate, expressed her support: “I absolutely agree. So I would also be in favor of writing a letter just supporting the university. It’s a huge part of our community and who we are here in Escambia County.”
Commissioner Lumon May also said, “If you’re counting on the three, Commissioner Barry. I’m an undergrad and a grad student of the University of West Florida, as well as serving in student government and the Black Student Union, and I’m a big fan of Martha Saunders. So you’ll find my full support, Commissioner Barry. I think that whatever we can do to support the university and Dr. Saunders, we should be doing it.”
Commission Chairman Mike Kohler, also a UWF graduate, acknowledged the Yenor’s comments were “pretty over the top” and suggested the board move forward with a joint letter of support.
The commissioners agreed to work with legal counsel to draft a formal letter of support for UWF to be sent to the Senate Ethics Committee. Commissioner Barry even offered to personally deliver the letter as physical testimony at the committee hearing.
BACKGROUND: In a 2021 speech at the National Conservatism Conference in Orlando, Yenor focused on what he termed “the independent woman” in modern society, suggesting that this career focus comes at the expense of family life:
- “Our independent women seek their purpose in life in mid-level bureaucratic jobs like human resource management, environmental protection, and marketing. They’re more medicated, meddlesome and quarrelsome than women need to be without connections to eternity delivered through their family.”
State Sen. Randy Fine has criticized the appointment on X: “I am very troubled by @GovRonDeSantis’s appointment of @scottyenor to the Board of Trustees of @UWF, and worse, his election as chair of that Board of Trustees. Just last month, Mr. Yenor publicly questioned whether Jews elected to the United States Senate could be qualified for.”
